Heidi the Ride awaits at Plopsa de Panne

There’s possibly few things more frustrating to a coaster enthusiast than anticipating coaster opening dates, and certainly over the years I’ve experienced my fair share of delays in this manner.

Visiting Plopsaland recently was a case in point, as the park has put back the opening of it’s new GCI  woodie till 2017, in order to fully theme and market the new attraction to it’s fullest. Having already seen the ride during testing,  I had an inkling what this ride would look like, but upon inspection it surely is one of GCIs finest creations.

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However Heidi certainly is going to be one coaster ‘must do’ next year.

Although it stands only 70 feet above ground at the highest point, it dominates the park and it’s outline as you approach.

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Maybe the template for the modern GCI ‘smaller’ wood coaster was set when Fun Spot opened their well received White Lightning back in 2013, and much of the layout for Heidi is the same as it’s cousin in the U.S.A.

Nice architectural touches are what set these woodies apart, and give a feel that fits in with the surroundings.

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In addition tunnels along the course add to the ride’s potential thrill element, along with assisting to noise reduction for neighbouring homes.

Nice double-up, double down is an element that I think works well on a family sized woodie.

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I think it will be a good fit for this park, as Plopsa has a good mix of visitors, a family atmosphere and a good selection of attractions already in place.

These include the rare and wonderful Caripro Bat Flyer, which is delightfully quirky.

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Also in the parks coaster count are some smaller junior style coasters including the Vekoma RollerSkater. Pretty good fun, these coasters.

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Anubis, the Ride from Gerstlauer has a powerful launch, otherwise this is a good sized ride for this park and was popular on the day of our visit.

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The range of atttractions includes quite a few coasters, but also this Mack Super Splash ride, called… er… Supersplash.

 

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The superbly elaborate Coffee Cups ride. These are commomplace in Europe, but always worth a spin.

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Zierer are a popular manufacturer here, and one of their best and fun rides is the Mega Mindy Jet Ski.

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It is surely Heidi which will prove a strong lure for guests to revisit in 2017. And the April opening can’t come soon enough.

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